Homeland Security Presidential Directives

Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs) are issued by the President on matters pertaining to Homeland Security. Three directives directly affect EPA's role in the national emergency response system.

HSPD-8 National Preparedness directs the federal government agencies departments to be prepared to respond to nationally significant terrorist incidents anywhere in the United States. EPA is identified as an agency that provides assistance.

Additional directives:

HSPD-9 Defense of United States Agriculture and Food(5 pp, 136 K, About PDF) establishes a national policy to defend the agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. EPA is required to develop and enhance intelligence operations and analysis capabilities focusing on agriculture, food, and water sectors. As well as coordinate surveillance and monitoring systems for water quality and new countermeasures for detecting agents in the water supply. EPA, with other agencies, is required to develop a nationwide laboratory network for food, veterinary, plant health and water quality integrating existing federal and state resources.

HSPD-10 Biodefense for the 21st Century(8 pp, 156 K, About PDF) tasks EPA, in coordination with other federal agencies, with developing specific standards, protocols, and capabilities to address the risks of contamination following a biological weapons attack. Including developing strategies, guidelines, and plans for decontamination of persons, equipment, and facilities.

HSPD-14 Domestic Nuclear DetectionExit established a Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to coordinate efforts to protect the domestic U.S. against dangers from nuclear or radiological materials. EPA supports the detection, response, law enforcement, and information sharing aspects of the DNDO's mission.

HSPD-20 National Continuity Policy(7 pp, 144 K, About PDF) establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations after a catastrophic emergency. EPA is required to execute its Continuity of Operations plan in the event of a national emergency. EPA plans and conducts routine internal, testing, training and exercises.

HSPD-23 Cyber Security Initiative requires federal agencies to monitor cyber activity towards federal agencies’ computer systems and where necessary, provide action to eliminate sources of hostile action. EPA has a robust security program for both personnel and cyber security as mandate by the directive.